GLOUCESTERSHIRE POLICE TO HOST NATIONAL BIKESAFE MOTORCYCLE SHOW 2005
07 February 2005 - BikeSafe

Police in Gloucestershire are organising and hosting a national motorcycle show in April, which will feature a host of motorbike stars.

BikeSafe, being held at Cheltenham Racecourse on April 2 and 3, is an initiative run by police forces around the United Kingdom who work with the biking world to help lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties.

The national event has previously only been held in Warwickshire, therefore it is a great opportunity for Gloucestershire and this year it is being sponsored by Suzuki dealership Cheltenham Motorcycles.

The show is planned to include assessed rides on the latest motorbikes from several major manufacturers.

Free expert tuition from some of the UK’s top instructors will be available, including over 60 police motorcyclists from all over the country and trainers from large manufacturers. The ride outs will cover a variety of local routes.

The event will include visits from top superbike riders Michael Rutter and Karl Harris, who both ride for Honda, as well as displays by other leading manufacturers including Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson.

And with free entry there will be something for young and old alike, with displays from scooter and mini moto suppliers to custom bikes and vintage clubs for enthusiasts.

Highlighting the importance of good quality safety equipment will be a major feature of the event, as it is feared so many riders underestimate the level of protective kit needed.

Scores of prizes will be given out, including a pair of VIP tickets for a British Superbikes race worth around £600 courtesy of Suzuki. A large variety of motorcycle stalls will also be on site, including clothing and accessories, the air ambulance will be on hand and a host of family entertainment will be provided.

Inspector Paul Morrissey, who oversees Motorway and Roads Policing for the Gloucestershire force, said: “BikeSafe will be a huge event with a wide variety of entertainment and fun activities available for people of all ages, and we are
thrilled to be hosting it in Gloucestershire for the first time.

“But there is a serious side to the event, because an unacceptably high number of motorcyclists are killed or injured on roads up and down the country every year.

“We want to change that and help motorcyclists to improve their road skills, while also providing them with a great day out with like minded bikers from across Britain.”

The BikeSafe show is an extension of the Better Biking training run by Gloucestershire Constabulary for members of the public, which includes classroom based theory and practicals on the open road. Road safety advice will be given out to riders on the day, and tips on vehicle safety will also be available.

“The show will hopefully provide a fun day out for all the family as well as motorbike enthusiasts eager to ride out on the new models,” added Insp Morrissey.

“The overall aim is to pass on knowledge, skills and experience to members of the public in order for them to get more enjoyment out of their motorbike, in a safe way.”

Government figures have this year shown the highest number of road deaths for six years, rising from 3,431 in 2002 to 3,508 in 2003, an increase of two per cent. But the biggest problem was with deaths among motorcyclists, which rose by 14 per cent.

Garry Handley, Head of Road Safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said he too felt it would be hugely important event.

“I am delighted that Gloucestershire Constabulary has been selected to launch this very important event here in the county,” Garry said.

“I especially welcome the help it will provide to improving rider safety in the county.”

www.bikesafe.co.uk

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